top of page
Search

Tacking Through Headlines - Markets Move Without Urgency

  • Ballestas Group
  • 1 hour ago
  • 1 min read

The week in the United States left a complex picture, with mixed economic signals, significant reactions in financial markets, and a political backdrop that once again took center stage. On the macroeconomic front, the most encouraging data came from the regional manufacturing sector: the Chicago PMI index surprised by jumping into expansionary territory in January for the first time in almost two years, suggesting an incipient improvement in industrial activity after a prolonged period of contraction. Durable goods orders also contributed to the positive tone, growing 5.3% in November, driven by a strong rebound in commercial aircraft orders, while underlying orders advanced 0.7%, both above expectations and consistent with a gradual recovery in investment.


However, the inflation picture once again prompted caution. Producer prices rose more than expected in December, with a monthly increase of 0.5% and a year-on-year variation of close to 3%, reinforcing the perception that the disinflation process remains slow. Even though the most relevant components for the personal consumption expenditure index showed a more benign dynamic, the data was enough to keep the Federal Reserve's attention. In line with this, the trade deficit widened sharply in November, reflecting a rebound in imports, which led the Atlanta Fed to cut its fourth-quarter GDP growth estimate. At the same time, consumer confidence fell sharply in January, reaching its lowest level since 2014, in contrast to the central bank's more optimistic view of the labor market.


Recent Posts

See All
Plotting the Course After an Awaited Data Surge

During the week, the United States combined trade policy announcements with a barrage of relevant economic data. On the political-trade front, the White House described the imposition of 25% tariffs o

 
 
 
Charting New Waters - The First Waves of 2026

The main political event of the week was the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by US military forces, following an operation carried out on January 3 on Venezuelan territory. The operatio

 
 
 

Comments

BACK TO TOP

ballestas-logo-blanco-1.png

Securities Offered Through Bolton Global Capital, Inc. Member FINRA, SIPC 

Advisory Services Offered Through
Bolton Global Asset Management, a SEC Registered Investment Advisor

Ballestas Group, Bolton Global Capital and Bolton Securities are not affiliated with BNY Mellon or Pershing, LLC.

State securities laws require that your Financial Representative be registered in the state in which you live.  For this listing, please refer to the Broker Check Link provided.

Check the background of your financial professional or our broker-dealers and registered investment advisor on FINRA's BrokerCheck. ​Bolton Global Capital, Bolton Global Asset Management and their financial professionals do not provide tax services. Copyright Bolton Global Capital, LLC, a registered broker-dealer.  For more information, visit https://finra.org or https://sipc.org.  Copyright Bolton Securities Corporation, d/b/a Bolton Global Asset Management and other trade names, a federally registered investment advisor.

 

Click on the following LINK for copies of the firms’ Form ADV, Client Relationship Summary, Brokerage and Advisory Accounts Fee and Conflicts Disclosure and other important disclosure information.

​

Ballestas Group © 2023. All Rights Reserved.

​

MB1/MBA0001d

bottom of page